Bruce earns ratings boost for the Beeb

Strictly Come Dancing attracted more viewers than The X Factor on Saturday.

11:55 16 November 2004

The celebrity ballroom dancing contest, Strictly Come Dancing, attracted more viewers than The X Factor on Saturday.

Viewing figures show that 8.4 million people tuned in to watch the likes of Roger Black and Julian Clary pair up with professional ballroom dancers in an attempt to impress a panel of expert judges.

The show is presented by veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth and BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky.

Carol Vorderman, Esther Ranson, celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin and Top Gear's Quieten Willson have all been voted off. EastEnders actress Jill Halfpenny is favourite to claim victory.

ITV's The X Factor, which is reaching its final stages, was watched by around seven million viewers.

In the latest incarnation of the Pop Idol franchise, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne are managing young hopefuls as well as judging them.

Larger than life trio Voices With Soul were voted off this week, leaving Irish rocker Tabby as the bookies' favourite to win.

Saturday night is a key battleground for the terrestrial channels so news that Strictly Come Dancing has beaten a flagship show like The X Factor will be welcomed at the BBC.